I've been asked to check out the playback on a mITX dual core Celeron motherboard, but since I don't rip movies I don't have a clue where to begin.

Is there a source for legit HD content I could download, and/or a primer on testing playback? I'm assuming that there must be a worst case scenario WRT resolution + audio playback decoding which would hopefully make success or failure pretty obvious, but if not I'd appreciate being pointed towards any kind of quick(ish) HD content for dummies type FAQ.

However, you'll probably want to test full HD, non-compressed files because if you can run those then you can run anything, granted everything is groovy on the software side of things. Not sure where you could find those kind of files though.

EDIT: Looks like Supa has you covered.

__________________For my part I know nothing with any certainty, but the sight of the stars makes me dream.

Ok, cool.... Big Buck Bunny » Download So what format would be the most common, H.264? If so, would a quick google search come up with a player/codec pack for it?

Again, thanks in advance... I honestly have no idea at all and am trying to save myself from having to get too deep into studying the process just to do some form of benchmarking. :)

edit: Downloading the 1080p mpg4 avi file... would that be the best choice? And you wouldn't by any chance be pulling an old man's leg would you??? I'm not going to end up looking at goat pron am I??? ;)

Sorry for the quick bump but I wanted to say thanks and that I think I've got it up and running (including downloading a codec pack and reading the install process verrrrrryyyyyyy carefully to avoid installing crapware... :) ). Now to wait for Christmas to get the motherboard in to test. :)

Sorry for the quick bump but I wanted to say thanks and that I think I've got it up and running (including downloading a codec pack and reading the install process verrrrrryyyyyyy carefully to avoid installing crapware... :) ). Now to wait for Christmas to get the motherboard in to test. :)

Why install a codec pack for? Just install VLC or XBMC and they'll decode them on their own.